ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to provide a framework for understanding the motivations of smart-shaming in the Philippines; in particular, what smart-shaming is, how it works, and its issues and implications. Smart-shaming is the act of shaming (by mocking) someone who appears to be smart or smarter than others, and Filipino concepts of shame and smart(ness) are linked to the motivations of such an act. Hiya or shame is a filtering system related to an anxious and desperate need to be accepted in a group. As such, smart-shaming appears to be the calling out of smartness or the act of showing off this smartness because of the shamer’s inclusion or exclusion in certain socioeconomic or intellectual groups. In the course of the chapter, other possible smart-shaming motivations emerge as well, such as the shamer’s lack of critical thinking, or specific attitudes and ways of thinking influenced by Philippine history, culture, and politics. Regardless of its motivations though, smart-shaming is a detriment to everyday dialogues and intellectual discussions. It is fallacious, a practice of mindless thinking, and a toxic habit that one ought to break.
